After getting record levels of snow this winter, everyone is looking forward to putting away their shovel for the season. Before you do, there’s one more area that should be cleared before the warmer weather arrives.

Cleaning the snow from around your home’s foundation can prevent huge problems as the melting snow and flooding becomes an issue.

Melting snow that has accumulated around your house needs somewhere to go, and the last place you want to find it is in your basement. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage from melting snow, and the best way to make sure you don’t have problems is to do a little preventative work now.

Tips for dealing with melting snow

• Ensure that melting snow can get away from the house and drain normally. Snow piled near the house can cause icy buildup that forces water into the ground around the house and foundation.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. One foot of snow on a 1,000 square foot roof will melt to about 2,500 gallons of water. That much water is going to cause problems unless it has somewhere to go.
• Move snow on the ground away from the house. On ground that is sloped 1 inch per foot around the house, moving the snow as little as 3-5 feet away from the foundation can significantly reduce problems.
• Make sure your sump pump is clean and running smoothly. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit and make sure the discharge water is carried several feet from the house.

Correcting Drainage

If water is an on-going problem in your yard or basement, consider correcting drainage issues by installing grading or drain tile. Both are solutions that help water easily move away from your house and take care of the problem permanently.

Sound like more then you want to take on? Give your back a break and call Mike at Great Goats Landscaping today. He and his team can remove snow from around your house to reduce problems from snowmelt and flooding the spring. Don’t wait too long. Their schedule is filling up fast, and spring is just around the corner.

Scientists might not be able to explain why, but there is no doubt that the sound of moving water is universally appealing. While not everyone can live next to the ocean or a babbling brook, everyone can install a water feature on their property.

Adding a water feature with flowing water has multiple benefits for property owners. Here are some of our favorites.

Flowing water calms the soul

Adding the sound of moving water makes any space relaxing and peaceful. Water naturally seems to help people slow down and enjoy their surroundings. Philosophers and physicians have recognized the benefits of the sound of flowing water for centuries, and it isn’t a coincidence that fountains and water features are often a central part of traditional and classical landscaping and design. While it might not be feasible to add a large water feature to your property, there are plenty of smaller options that can be economical while still adding the benefits of moving water.

Attracts wildlife

For anyone interested in wildlife, especially birders, water features are a natural addition to landscaping design. Fountains and birdbaths are a great way to attract desirable wildlife to your yard. Birds, for example, need clean water for drinking and preening. Water helps the birds remove dust and loose feathers. Water can also attract squirrels, rabbits, and other animals. If you are a nature lover, incorporating water into your landscape can bring you hours of joy as you observe animal visitors in your yard.

Boosts curb appeal

Water features are almost universally appealing and can add visual interest and charm for potential homebuyers. If you are thinking about putting your home on the market or think you might down the road, a small brook, fountain or even a burbling ceramic pot can be a good investment for your property.

Improves air quality and reduced noise pollution

Flowing water is a beautiful and relaxing way to reduce noise pollution. The sound of moving water has been scientifically shown through multiple studies to decrease stress levels. Studies have also found that moving water can improve air quality and offset the health impacts of air pollution.

Landscaping rocks and stones are an easy, low maintenance way to bring texture and interest to your yard and garden. They also can be incorporated into patios or walkways instead of pavers for a less formal effect.

Rock or rock pavers aren’t just for dry or desert landscapes. They can be a great option for anyone looking to give their garden a polished look without also adding more work or weeding maintenance.

Rock can be used to quickly improve your landscape and is a durable, long-lasting accent. With several colors, sizes, shapes, and textures to choose from, there is a huge variety when it comes to selecting the right rock for your space.

Rock gardens, walkways, or patios areas can all benefit from the addition of decorative or functional rock.

Benefits of adding landscaping rock

In addition to adding texture and interest to a yard design, landscaping rock has other benefits that make it a good choice for homeowners. As the summer gets hotter and dryer, landscaping rock will prevent water from evaporating as quickly, reducing watering costs for plants.

Landscaping rock also creates a clear border between your lawn and garden beds. Rocks keep grass back from buildings and gardens, making it easier to mow and weed.

Rock and stone pavers are a popular choice for less formal designs. They can be used in patios or walkways.

Removing landscaping rocks

As helpful as rock can be in giving landscaping a polished look, there are also plenty of situations where homeowners find themselves needing to remove rocks. Whether it was placed there by a previous owner, slowly moved into the lawn or simply outlived its appeal, getting rid of landscaping rock can be a daunting undertaking. It’s often one of those jobs that are easier to just hire someone else to do.

Mike and his team at Great Goats Landscaping have all the tools needed to remove and dispose of landscaping rock. After it’s gone, they’ll help you come up with a plan to get your yard looking the way you want it too.

Give Mike a call today to see how adding or removing landscaping rock can change the look of your yard.

First impressions are often the most important, especially when it comes to your home. The curb appeal of your house is the first thing people will notice, and many people want the exterior of their home to reflect the interior of their home. The front entry, yard, driveway, and sidewalk should give people a taste of what they will find on the inside.

This Eden Prairie home looks beautiful with the hydrangeas in bloom.

Act like a guest

The easiest way to evaluate the curb appeal of your home is to act like a guest seeing it for the first time. Walk around your home with a critical eye and a notepad and pen. Take notes on what looks “off” and what needs repairing, replacing or cleaning. Drive past your house in both directions during the day and at night. You might notice something that you’ve never seen before that could use a little attention.

Look upward

Many homeowners forget that the roof is an important part of a home’s curb appeal that others will notice right away. Replace any missing shingles and give your roof a good cleaning if it is dingy or streaked. A roof that is in good condition can help the overall look of your home tremendously.

Add shiny numbers

Clean or replace your house numbers if they aren’t easy to see or if they are dirty. Consider the style of your house (traditional, transitional or modern), and select numbers that complement your home’s style.

Use some pressure

One cost-effective way of improving the look of your home is by pressure-washing dirty siding, the deck, driveway, and walkways. If you don’t own a pressure washer, they can be rented from home improvement stores for the day.

Plant some cheerful color

Unless it’s the dead of winter, there are always some plants that are in bloom. Fresh plants and flowers in porch containers, window boxes and front beds give your house an instant boost.

Add a little polish

A gallon of paint is an inexpensive way to spruce up the front door, trim and shutters of your home. Other inexpensive improvements – a new mailbox, new porch light fixture and a cheerful welcome mat.